By Don Manu Coming out of his shell, UNP State Minister of Defence and Minister of Media Ruwan Wijewardena struck a blow for media freedom this week when he condemned his Minister, the Minister of Defence and Lankan President for his arbitrary takeover of State owned TV channel Rupavahini under his Defence Ministry and thus …

Continue reading ‘Ruwan Wijewardene Strikes a Blow for Media Freedom by Forthrightly Condemning Maithripala Sirisena For his Arbitrary Take-over of “Rupavahini” State TV and Bringing it Under the Defence Ministry.’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “Those who seek power at any price detect a societal weakness, a fear that they can ride into office.” Carl Sagan (The Demon-haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark) One point four million extra votes – that is what Gotabaya Rajapaksa needs to achieve his burning desire to become the …

Continue reading ‘Did Gotabaya Rajapaksa Insist on Being Anointed as the SLPP Presidential Candidate Long Before the Election was Announced as a Way of Evading Justice?’ »

By Sanjana Hattotuwa A coup’s normalization is key to long-term success. Architects of an unconstitutional transfer of power have to quickly give the impression everything is under control and nothing is going awry, so as to allay public fears, even amongst ardent supporters, that it may lead to more widespread chaos or instability. By November …

Continue reading ‘Integrity of Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election is Increasingly Hostage to new Propaganda Dynamics that Existing Regulations and Laws Fall Short of Addressing.’ »

By Wisu Karunanidhi and Lahiru Fernando The fisheries issue in the Palk Strait and the situation of detained Indian fisher crews as well as co-operation against cross-border extremist terror outfits were subjects of discussion when rising Tamil Nadu politician and Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday. …

Continue reading ‘Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.Karunanidhi’s Daughter and DMK Parliamentarian K.Kanimozhi in Sri Lanka to Attend SLMC Chief Rauff Hakeem’s Daughter’s Wedding Meets Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’ »

By Lucien Rajakarunanayake The drum beats of political pride get louder as the Gam Udawa – Village Re-awakening – score gets closer to the third century. The political legacy of the Premadasa Family is coming to new reaches in the spread of new village names, needing a new listing of the acres or hectares of …

Continue reading ‘Can Sajith Premadasa Seeking Nomination and Election From the UNP Tell Us Where His Political Thinking and Policies Differ From Ranil Wickremesinghe?’ »

By Chandani Kirinde A meeting between UNP Party Leader Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa ended last night with both sides agreeing to reach a final decision soon as to who the Party’s candidate should be for the upcoming Presidential Election. Premadasa told reporters after the meeting that it was positive, and …

Continue reading ‘Ranil Wickremesinghe -Sajith Premadasa Talks End Inconclusively on a Positive Note With Both Sides Agreeing to Take Final Decision Soon on UNP Presidential Candidate’ »

Non-Cabinet Minister of Mass Media Ruwan Wijewardene yesterday accused President Maithripala Sirisena of repeatedly obstructing his attempts to change the management of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), leading to the impasse which resulted in the Corporation being brought under the Defence Ministry’s purview. “Since I took over the Ministry of Mass Media in February this …

Continue reading ‘Media Minister Ruwan Wijewardene Writes Strong Letter to President Accusing Sirisena of Obstructing his Attempts to Change management at “Rupavahini”; Criticises the Takeover of SLRC by Defence Ministry as “a blow to media freedom in the country and “a contravention of all accepted norms”.’ »

by Zacki Jabbar The UNP’s Presidential candidate would be selected by the Working Committee (WC) and named after a date for the election was announced, senior party sources said, yesterday. Asked when the WC would meet, sources said “Very Soon. But that will be to discuss the need for discipline and unity within the party …

Continue reading ‘UNP working Committee Will Meet Soon To Discuss Discipline and Unity in the Party and the Elpitiya Elections. Presidential Candidate to be Finalised After Election Date is Announced.’ »

Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera yesterday in a statement said that SLPP’s presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s ‘economic blueprint’, unveiled on Sunday, was meant to build castles in the air. Following is Samaraweera’s statement. Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s so-called ‘economic blueprint’ is anything but a plan. The 82 slides, released on Sunday, pump aspiration and dump implementation. A blueprint …

Continue reading ‘Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Economic Blueprint Unveiled at “Viyathmaga” is a “Vipathmaga” Building Castles in the Air “Says Mangala Samaraweera and Flays Captains of Industry attending Event for their “Strategic Promiscuity” Buying Insurance If the Worst Occurs’ »

By Nisthar Cassim UNP presidential candidate hopeful Minister Sajith Premadasa yesterday promised a truly prosperous nation to all people, as opposed to enriching a select few as rulers to date have done in Sri Lanka. Delivering the 22nd M.A. Bakeer Markar Annual Commemoration lecture yesterday, titled ‘Foundation for a stronger and prosperous Sri Lanka’ Housing, …

Continue reading ‘“Equality in prosperity is my goal, for which we need a new revolutionary economic development model and a creative vision” States Sajith Premadasa Delivering Bakeer Markar Memorial Lecture. “We need racial, ethnic, and religious harmony, without which a country cannot be strong,” Emphasises UNP Deputy Leader’ »

By Chandani Kirinde President Maithripala Sirisena last night brought the influential Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) under the purview of the Ministry of Defence by an Extraordinary Gazette notification. Along with the takeover, the SLRC was also tasked with the “Implementation of programs for the promotion of peace, harmony and reconciliation among people whilst ensuring …

Continue reading ‘President Sirisena Brings “Rupavahini” Under Purview of his Defence Ministry Through Gazette Notification to Prevent Media Minister Ruwan Wijewardene Appointing Palitha Maheerathne as New SLRC Chairman.’ »

By Nisali De Silva Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) filed a complaint this morning (10) at the Commission to Investigation Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against Housing Minister Sajith Premadasa and seven other Cabinet Ministers who failed to submit their Declarations of Assets and Liabilities for the year 2018/19.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential aspirant and former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday gave a detailed outline of his blueprint to develop Sri Lanka and pledged to focus on building partnerships with the private sector, appointing technocrats to carry out national policies and strengthening local industries. Speaking at the Viyathmaga Annual Convention 2019 at …

Continue reading ‘Presidential Aspirant Gotabaya Rajapaksa Presents Detailed Outline of his Blueprint to Develop Sri Lanka at the “Viyathmaga” convention Held at the “Shangri -La” Hotel in Colombo’ »

By Shamindra Ferdinando Former national cricketer Muththiah Muralitharan, yesterday, (08) urged the electorate to pick a capable leader who could lead a team. Underscoring the importance of the leader consulting his team, Muralitharan said that it would be the responsibility of the leader to take decisions. The leader required right support, Muralitharan said, underscoring the …

Continue reading ‘Ace Cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan Speaking at “Viyathmaga” Convention in the Presence of Gotabaya Rajapaksa says “Sri Lanka now Needs a Leader who Could Guarantee Security to the Nation and Bring an end to Continuing Uncertainty and Turmoil”’ »

A scheduled meeting between UNP leader Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and its Deputy Leader Minister Sajith Premadasa which was to take place last evening to iron out differences as to who should be the Party’s presidential candidate was postponed on the latter’s request. Sources in the Prime Minister’s Office said that Premadasa sought a rescheduling …

Continue reading ‘Meeting Between Ranil Wickremesinghe and Sajith Premadasa To Discuss Presidential Candidate Issue Postponed at sajith’s Request;Meeting Likely to be Re-scheduled for September 10th?’ »

(Excerpts from the “Sunday Times”Political Column of September 8th 2019) Upon his return from the Maldives, on Friday, Premier Wickremesinghe met senior members of the UNP at Temple Trees. For the first time, he made a declaration. He said he proposed to announce his name as the presidential candidate on behalf of the proposed Democratic …

Continue reading ‘Crisis in the UNP as Ranil Declares his Intention of Contesting Presidential Election as Democratic National Front Candidate; Kabir Hashim Walks out of Meeting as Lakshman Kiriella Outlines Four Charges Supported by Daya Gamage and Jayawickrama Perera Against UNP Chairman’ »

By The “Sunday Times” Political Editor This week’s two major political developments over the presidential election took Sri Lankans by surprise and portend a major change in alignments. One is the declaration by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe that he would be the United National Party (UNP) candidate. On Friday he told a meeting of party …

Continue reading ‘Move by Malik Samarawickrema to Bring About Unity in UNP Faces Jeopardy as Sajith Premadasa Does not Want To Attend 9 am Meeting With Ranil Wickremesinghe at “Temple Trees” on Sunday Sep 8th’ »

Former national cricketer Muthaiah Muralitharan will address civil society grouping Viyathmaga national convention at the Shangrila tomorrow (8). Viyathmaga spearheads a campaign in support of wartime Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s bid to secure nomination for the 2019 presidential polls. The opening statement will be delivered by Gotabaya Rajapaksa Courtesy:The Island

United National Party leader and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is to hold crucial talks with his deputy Sajith Premadasa on Sunday amid a deepening crisis over the presidential candidacy. Wickremesinghe denied he demanded the nominations to contest up coming presidential elections, a source within the party leadership said adding that a final call would be …

Continue reading ‘Ranil Wickremesinghe and Sajith Premadasa to Hold Crucial Talks on Sep 8th to Discuss Matters Concerning the UNP Presidential Candidate Nomination and Resolve Inner -Party Divisions Over the Issue.’ »

By Chandani Kirinde Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told a group of senior UNP members yesterday that he would be the Party’s candidate at the upcoming Presidential election. A senior Minister, who was at the meeting, told Daily FT that Wickremesinghe had said he would put forward his name to the UNP’s Working Committee and leave …

Continue reading ‘Ranil Wickremesinghe Tells Senior Party Stalwarts That He Would Be Forwarding His Name to the UNP Working Committee as the UNP Presidential Candidate and Abide by the Working Committee Decision.’ »

Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga Friday wreaked havoc after becoming the first bowler in Twenty20 internationals to claim 100 wickets as he struck four times with four balls in the third match against New Zealand. Malinga, who surpassed Pakistan spinner Shahid Afridi’s tally of 97 scalps to become the leading T20 wicket-taker on Sunday, bowled Colin …

Continue reading ‘Lanka’s Lasith Malinga With 104 Wickets in 76 Matches Becomes First Bowler to Top 100 Wicket Mark in T-20 Matches ; Lasith “Malinguers” Kiwis Taking Four Scalps in Four Balls in Five Wicket Haul.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan In Sri Lanka’s presidential poll in 2015, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), representing Tamils of the north and east, led its constituency in a crucial protest vote against then President Mahinda Rajapaksa. As the country gears up for the next presidential election, scheduled before the end of this year, Jaffna district MP …

Continue reading ‘“With the Defeat of the LTTE the Call for a Separate State is over. When that Project is Over, Our Approach Also Should Change. There is no Substitute for Engagement………A Greater degree of Appreciation that we are Living in One Country, and that this is Our Country, Must be There” -TNA Spokesman MA Sumanthiran MP’ »

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said he remained committed to abolishing the Executive Presidency so its powers cannot be abused with impunity, and pledged to continue upholding democracy. Addressing the People’s Majlis, which is the equivalent of the Maldives Parliament, Wickremesinghe outlined the measures taken by his Government, since coming to power in 2015, to …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Says He Remains Committed to Abolition of the Executive Presidency While Addressing the Pariament of Maldives.’ »

By Nuwan Senarathna President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday rallied his party followers with pledges to establish a Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP)-led Government in 2020, as under the 19th Amendment more powers have been devolved to the Prime Minister, and made no mention of contesting for a second presidential term. Addressing the 68th Sri Lankan Freedom …

Continue reading ‘The Prime Minister Will be More Important Than the President In the Future Because The 19th Amendment Makes the Presidency Powerless With even The Defence Ministry Coming Under the PM Points out President Sirisena at SLFP Convention’ »

by Zacki Jabbar Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is likely to be nominated as the UNP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Presidential candidate, senior party sources say. Sources said that according to the UNP constitution it was the party leader who had to contest the presidential election unless he or she declined or was too feeble to …

Continue reading ‘Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is Likely to be Nominated as the UNP -led National Democratc Alliance(NDA) Presidential Candidate Say Senior Party Sources.’ »

The legal secretary of United National Party (UNP),Chairman of People’s Bank and President’s Counsel, Nissanka Nanayakkara, said the party’s Presidential candidate should be nominated according to Article 9 of the constitution of the UNP. He says that after the Elections Commissioner announces the Presidential election, the first step according to party constitution is to summon …

Continue reading ‘“When Presidential Elections are Announced the UNP Working Committee Will Appoint a Nomination Board Comprising Senior UNP Leaders Which Will Select Party’s Presidential Candidate States UNP Legal Secretary Nissanka Nanayakkara PC.’ »

By Aanya Wipulasena “Uba ganiyak nisa nikan innawa. Pirimiyek unanan tho polé gahanawa allagana (I am letting it go because you are a woman. If you were a man, I would dash you on the floor),” shouted the man draped in a monk’s robe. Then he proceeded to give instructions to a police officer, one …

Continue reading ‘Buddhist Monk Led Mob at Trincomalee Bus Stand Accuses Tamil Woman Wearing Black Saree With Images of a Face Design and Instructs Police to Get Her Remanded for Allegedly Wearing Saree with Lord Buddha’s Face’ »

Ministers supportive of Deputy UNP leader Sajith Premadasa have threatened to resign en mass from their posts unless the party names him as its presidential candidate, before the end of this month. A spokesman for them has said that they may even consider quitting politics in protest. UNP MP Hesha Withanage, addressing the media, yesterday, …

Continue reading ‘UNP MP Hesha Withanage Tells Media That All Sajith Faction Ministers, State Ministers , Deputy Ministers and Monitoring MP’s Will Resign Their Positions Unless Sajith Premadasa Is Named as Presidential Candidate Before Month’s End’ »

By Don Manu Ranil Wicremesinghe and Sajith Premadasa are poles apart. If Ranil is cheese, Sajith is chalk. If Ranil is morn, Sajith is night. It has been so from their respective births. Their one common heritage is the UNP and, though they are both fiercely loyal to it, there is, certainly, no love lost …

Continue reading ‘Ranil-Sajith Clash Destroys UNP at a time When the stark choice staring at the nation’s face is between democracy with all its warts and totalitarianism with the polished boot, buckle and medal.’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene President Maithripala Sirisena’s remarks in Jaffna this week that the 19th Amendment’s transfer of some powers of the Executive President to the Prime Minister while conferring supervision over Sri Lanka’s constitutional commissions to the Speaker has created three power centres, making the political process unworkable and unsustainable is a thin gloss …

Continue reading ‘What is wrong with Sri Lanka’s politics is not Constitutions but the country’s politicians who have been too long at the helm of political power bases and are incapable of working any constitutional document properly.’ »

By Gamini Weerakoon Narendra Modi is a shining example of the harm that ‘good strongmen’ can do — those who are elected to rescue a country from the doldrums it has fallen into, but instead take it deeper into the hell-fires Modi, the humble tea boy, who climbed from the very bottom rungs of the …

Continue reading ‘Indian PM Narendra Modi is a shining example of the harm that ‘good strongmen’ can do and is a grave warning to smaller countries in the region in severe political and economic crises in search of ‘strongmen’ and ‘men of action’ to be their saviours.’ »

by Sanjana Hattotuwa With documentaries like ‘The Great Hack’ we are deeply fearful – and rightfully so – of how our data can be used, abused and weaponised. Over the past three years, significant political developments on both sides of the Atlantic have fuelled a global debate around the role, reach and relevance of social …

Continue reading ‘In Sri Lanka, the Same Dominant Narratives in the Media my Generation Grew up with has a Vice Grip on the Framing of Issues over Social Media’ »

(Text of The Sam Wijesinha Memorial Oration Titled “Parliament and the President” that was Delivered by Dr. Sarath Amunugama, MP This Week) I am deeply honoured by the invitation extended to me by Rajiva Wijesinha and Nigel Hatch to deliver the Sam Wijesinha Memorial Oration, which seeks to commemorate the late Sam Wijesinha, who was …

Continue reading ‘“In a multi ethnic, plural society as ours the office of President must be one that all minorities can participate in the selection of the holder of that office”.- Dr.Sarath Amunugama.’ »

By Kelum Bandara In the backdrop of a brewing political crisis, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe held talks with Minister Sajith Premadasa for one and half hours at Temple Trees on Thursday evening to find a way out, a party official said. Mr. Premadasa took time off from a function at a temple in Embilipitiya and …

Continue reading ‘Ranil Wickremesinghe and Sajith Premadasa Have 90 Minute Discussion From 9.30 PM to 11.pm at “Temple Trees” To Decide on Method of Selecting UNP Presidential Candidate; Rajitha Senaratne and Harsha de Silva also Present.’ »

By Victoria Pengilley . A family of Tamil asylum seekers due to be deported overnight have been granted an interim injunction to prevent their transportation back to Sri Lanka, their lawyer has told the ABC. The family of four were removed from immigration detention last night and placed on a plane which departed Melbourne Airport …

Continue reading ‘Last Minute Court Injunction Issued by Telephone Prevents Tamil Family From Being Deported From Australia to Sri Lanka;Plane Departing from Melbourne with Nadesalingam, Priya and Their Two Children Lands Again in Darwin in Dramatic Turn Around’ »

By Gayan Kumara Weerasinghe Terrorism Investigation Division officers have so far arrested six suspects in the North believed to have been planning some terrorist activity, TID sources told the Daily News yesterday. The arrests came after information was elicited from the Palai Hospital JMO Dr. Sinniah Sivaruban who had been earlier detained on suspicion. Among …

Continue reading ‘Seven Suspects Including Pallai Hospital JMO Arrested for Alleged LTTE Related Activity;Investigations Reveal Plot to Kill Douglas Devananda and “Col” Karuna but no Details of Conspiracy to Assassinate Gotabaya and Mahinda Rajapaksa.’ »

By Yohan Perera UNP Legal Secretary Nissanka Nanayakkara today said the candidate for the presidential election could be named only after the Election Commission notify the date to accept nominations for the election. Mr. Nanayakkara issuing a statement said UNP’s constitution does not have provisions to name a candidate until such time election commission declares …

Continue reading ‘UNP Party Constitution Article 9 Stipulates That Presidential Election Candidate Can be Named by Nomination Board Only After Elections Commissioner Announces Poll and Calls for Nominations Says UNP Legal Secretary Nissanka Nanayakkara.’ »

A 480 million US dollar grant to Sri Lanka by the Millennium Challenge Corporation of America is held up as President Maithripala Sirisena has not given approval, Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said. MCC officials had warned that there is a board meeting scheduled for September and if cabinet does not clear the deal, money may …

Continue reading ‘President Sirisena Obstinately Obstructs the Grant of 480 Million US $ by Millennnium Challenge Corporation Despite Risk Of Funds Being Diverted Away From Sri Lanka.’ »

By Lakdev Liyanagama The entry of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) in to the presidential election this year, confirmed by the declaration that its leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake would be its candidate, creates a new dimension into what has already become a fascinating contest. With the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) declaring Gotabaya Rajapaksa as …

Continue reading ‘Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Performance at Presidential Poll Could be of Crucial Importance if the Crowds Moblised by the JVP at Meetings Could be Channelled Into Votes.’ »

By Rohana R.Wasala The artificially sensationalized controversy within the UNP ranks about the authenticity of the party deputy leader Sajith Premadasa’s educational qualifications, in the twilight of its barely legitimate rule, is a strangely anticlimactic, but justly retributive, reversal of its unbroken mudslinging campaign against the Rajapaksas, whose democratic return to power they have been …

Continue reading ‘UNP Needs at Least a Leader like the late Premadasa, for its Survival, but Sajith is not Capable of Filling that Vacancy Primarily Because he Lacks Even the Leadership Qualities that his Father Possessed.’ »

By Kelum Bandara The United National Party (UNP) has decided to institute disciplinary action against two of its MPs – Non-Cabinet Minister of Digital Infrastructure and Information Technology Ajith Perera and Non-Cabinet Minister of Science, Technology and Research Sujeewa Senasinghe – for making certain remarks in breach of party discipline, the Daily Mirror learns. According …

Continue reading ‘UNP Will Take Action Against Pro-Sajith MP’s Ajith Perera and Sujeewa Senaratne For Making Public Remarks Violating Party Discipline but Chairman Kabir Hashim Says Both Have Done No Wrong.’ »

By Rukshana Rizwie Housing, Construction and Cultural Affairs Minister and presidential hopeful Sajith Premadasa says he is for ‘maximum devolution within a unitary state’ to resolve the ethnic issue and feels that the current decision-making structure in the country is ‘ad-hoc, disjointed and personality driven’ that has led to the ‘system favouring one segment’ of …

Continue reading ‘Sajith Premadasa Supports “Maximum Devolution Within a Unitary Sri Lanka “and Emphasises Need to Eradicate Racism From Society and fight discrimination, prejudice and zelophobia.”’ »

By Chandeepa Wettasinghe Sri Lanka is at risk of losing a 480 million US dollar grant from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) to improve transportation and land information availability if the island does not sign the agreement by September, an official said. “The 480 million US dollar program needs to be approved by Sri Lanka …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lanka May Lose Millennium Challenge Corporation Grant of 480 Million US $ if Agreement is not Signed By September Warns MCC Country Director for US Owned MCC.’ »

By Harishandra Gunaratna Army Commander Lt.Gen. Shevendra Silva, yesterday, said it was imperative that intelligence capability of the army be enhanced to meet the current security requirement of the country. Addressing the media in Colombo, the newly appointed army commander said the military intelligence would undergo some changes. Lt.Gen Silva was of the opinion that …

Continue reading ‘“I am the army commander for the entire nation and not for one ethnic group.I spent my childhood in Matale where I grew up with Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims in harmony and I understand the feelings of all those communities” – Lt.Gen Shavendra Silva’ »

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday made sweeping changes to key positions of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). Veteran S.B. Dissanayake was removed as SLFP Treasurer and Lasantha Alagiyawanna was appointed as the successor at the SLFP Central Working Committee meeting.

By Saman Indrajith The Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) probing the Easter Sunday carnage found itself in a difficult situation owing to a clash between the legislature and the executive, PSC sources said. The PSC has almost completed its hearings, except the recording the evidence of President Maithripala Sirisena, who is also the Defence Minister.

The UNP would not announce its presidential candidate without unveiling the policies of the coalition it would establish, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said, on Saturday, at Ankumbura. The party would first build a powerful political coalition and then field a presidential candidate from that alliance, he said, adding that the unveiling of the coalition’s manifesto …

Continue reading ‘Ranil Wickremesinghe Determined to Form Powerful Coalition First and Finalise Manifesto and Then Announce Name of Presidential Candidate.’ »

SLPP Presidential Candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in a statement yesterday, assured an independent commission of inquiry by a future government under his leadership to ascertain those responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks. The full statement of Rajapaksa is as follows. My attention is drawn to the statement made by the Archdiocese of Colombo and Archbishop of …

Continue reading ‘SLPP Presidential Candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa Pledges to Appoint an Independent Commission of Inquiry Into Terrorist Attacks on Easter Sunday in a “Future Govt Under Our Leadership”.’ »

Text & Pix by David Sadeep Jeyaselvan Sri Lanka’s north western most point, Mannar is a region that is synonymous with flamingoes and other exotic birds that make it a bird watcher’s paradise. It is also known for its kite surfing scene that is increasingly becoming popular post war. The region however, offers much more …

Continue reading ‘Mannar – The Lesser Known Sights’ »

(Excerpts From The “Sunday Times” Political Column of August 25th 2019) President Maithripala Sirisena’s new move this week to swear-in United National Party (UNP) deputy leader Sajith Premadasa as Prime Minister and urge him to form a new Cabinet of Ministers did not materialise. Set for last Friday so Premadasa could attend the rally in …

Continue reading ‘President Sirisena’s Move to Divide the UNP and Replace Ranil Wickremesinghe With Sajith Premadasa as Prime Minister on Friday in a New Govt Comprising UNP Sajith Faction and MP’s from SLFP and SLPP Ends In Failure’ »

By Dr. Stephen Long, Los Angeles, California After spending most of my adult life in Hawaii and then Southeast Asia, I returned to the US and settled in Los Angeles in 1998. About two weeks after my move a couple with whom I am very close invited me to an evening event at their amazing …

Continue reading ‘Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Presidential Candidacy: A Positive Perspective by an American Friend in California’ »

(Excerpts From the “Sunday Times”Political Column of August 25th 2019) Assertions made by Ranil Wickremesinghe this week, showed little change in the premier’s strong determination to be UNP’s presidential candidate. However, there were indications this week that that he was taking a deeper look at the recent developments to map out countermeasures. In this regard, …

Continue reading ‘If Divided UNP Loses Election Regardless of Who The Presidential Candidate Is, It Would Be a Case of Sinking Separately Instead of Sinking Together’ »

By Sanjana Hattotuwa When and under which conditions is rape acceptable? Is raping a male more acceptable than raping a woman? If it is your wife, is hitting or kicking her once in a while ok? When killing a child, is it better to die quickly or slowly, individually or in a group? As a …

Continue reading ‘Open support of extra-judicial killings come from those who have concretely formed and go on to publicly express an opinion based on repeated media frames they have been exposed to.’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene A comfortable sense of political amnesia has currently gripped all contenders and would-be contenders on Sri Lanka’s Presidential election platforms. From opposing stages, we are being asked to believe that the ruin of this land is not their collective fault. That is too great a lie to be uncritically accepted. Indeed, …

Continue reading ‘Political Amnesia has Currently Gripped all Contenders and Would-be contenders on Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election Platforms.’ »

By Lucien Rajakarunanayake The Western World seems obsessed with the promotion of Lt. General Shavendra Silva as the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army. The US Ambassador here, Alaina Teplitz, came with the first charge against him, regarding allegations of gross human rights violations documented by the United Nations and other organizations that are serious …

Continue reading ‘US Ambassador Alaina Teplitz and Others Critical of Gen Shavendra Silva’s Appointment Must Realise That the Accusations Against the Sri Lankan Army Commander are Allegations Without any Proof of Guilt’ »

By Wilson Thomas High alert was issued in Coimbatore late on Thursday following an intelligence input that six LeT terrorists had intruded into Tamil Nadu and had settled in Coimbatore. The alert, the authenticity of which was confirmed by credible intelligence sources, said that the six member group intruded into Tamil Nadu via Sri Lanka.

By Yohan Perera Efforts are being made to create another constitutional coup similar to that of the one on October 26 last year and to appoint a new premier, UNP MPs Ashu Marasinghe and Palitha Range Bandara alleged yesterday. Speaking at a media briefing, the MPs said creating a division within the UNP was part …

Continue reading ‘Is President Sirisena Planning to Enact Another “Constitutional Coup” Like What was Done on October 26 Last Year and Replace Ranil Wickremesinghe with a New Prime Minister by Dividing the UNP?’ »

By Lahiru Pothmulla Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa today claimed it is inevitable that the United National Party (UNP) will be split irrespective of who becomes the party’s nominee at the upcoming presidential election. He expressed these views at a meeting held with the heads of the local government bodies controlled by the SLPP at its …

Continue reading ‘Mahinda Rajapaksa Says a Split in the UNP is Inevitable Regardless of who the Presidential Candidate Is Because a Group of Persons in the Party Dont Respect the Party Leadership.’ »

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday said there were no barriers to contesting the upcoming Presidential Elections as a candidate, as his US citizenship was relinquished on 17 May. Rajapaksa, together with Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa, attended a meeting of Local Government Chairmen at SLPP headquarters on Thursday, where he said …

Continue reading ‘Gotabaya Rajapaksa States Openly in the Presence of Mahinda Rajapaksa at SLPP Headquarters Meeting That There Are No Barriers To His Contesting the Next Presidential Elections as he has Relinquished his US Citizenship on May 17th 2019’ »

The Sri Lanka Army acted in keeping with international humanitarian laws and rights during past humanitarian operations, Army Commander Shavendra Silva recalled yesterday. “Any army in the world is committed to protect the inalienable rights of the country’s citizens and create a conducive atmosphere for a democratic way of life while being alert to adopt …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Army Adhered to International Humanitarian Laws During Past Operations Says Newly Appointed Army Commander Lt.Gen. Shavendra Silva’ »

By P.K.Balachandran The appointment of Maj.Gen.Shavendra Silva as the Sri Lankan Army Commander in succession to Lt.Gen. Mahesh Senanayake on Monday, has invoked sharp comments from the US embassy and the UN, both saying that it would have adverse consequences for ethnic justice and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. According to a Reuters report a senior …

Continue reading ‘Clashing Perspectives on Gen. Shavendra Silva’s Appointment as Lankan Army Chief’ »

By Muditha Dayananda In the same way, General Ulysses S. Grant who led the government forces against the separatist civil war in the USA became important to Americans, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva is also important to the Sri Lankan Government, said the Minister of Megalopolis and Western Development Patalie Champika Ranawaka at a press briefing …

Continue reading ‘Lt Gen Shavendra Silva Is Important to Sri Lanka Just as Gen Ulysses S.Grant was Important to the USA says Patali Champika Ranawaka.’ »

A senior U.S. State Department official warned on Tuesday that Sri Lanka’s appointment of a war veteran accused of serious human rights violations as head of its army could affect U.S. military cooperation and investment in the island nation. On Monday, Sri Lanka named Shavendra Silva, 55, as the country’s new army chief despite United …

Continue reading ‘Appointment of Gen.Shavendra Silva as Army Commander Could Affect US Military Cooperation and Investment in Sri Lanka Warns US State Dept Official’ »

(Text of a Statement Issued By the Centre for Policy Alternatives(CPA) in Colombo) The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) is deeply concerned by President Maithripala Sirisena’s appointment of Major General Shavendra Silva as the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) and urges the Government of Sri Lanka to take immediate steps to review this …

Continue reading ‘Concerns over the appointment of Major Gen. Shavendra Silva as Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and the need for urgent reforms – Centre For Policy Alternatives(CPA)’ »

The Foreign Ministry yesterday said international concern over the appointment of Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva was “unwarranted and unacceptable”, and contrary to the principles of natural justice upheld by the international community.

By Meenakshi Ganguly Sri Lanka’s President Maithripala Sirisena has appointed a general whose forces have been credibly accused of war crimes as the commander of the national army. The move would seem to confirm the fears of those like Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera, who, back in March, supported the United Nations Human Rights Council’s extension …

Continue reading ‘Human Rights Watch Issues Statement Critical of Lt.Gen Shavendra Silva’s Appointment as Sri Lanka’s Army Commander and Urges Setting up of a Justice Tribunal With International Participation.’ »

Swift condemnation followed President Maithripala Sirisena’s decision to appoint controversial wartime commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva as Commander of the Army from local and international actors yesterday. After oscillating on the decision for days since last Friday, the President allowed nearly a day to lapse after former Commander Lt. Gen. Mahesh Senanayake retired from service, …

Continue reading ‘UN Human Rights Commissioner Criticises Gen.Shavendra Silva Being Appointed as the new Army Chief by President Sirisena; Refers to Silva as being “heavily implicated by a succession of UN reports in alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity”in Statement.’ »

The JVP Presidential candidate and Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday kicked off his campaign urging all communities to unite to transform Sri Lanka into a socially, economically, and politically vibrant country under his leadership. Speaking at a massive rally at the Galle Face Green, where the JVP-led National People’s Power (NPP) movement nominated him as …

Continue reading ‘JVP led “National People’s Power”(NPP) Movement Nominates JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake as Their Presidential Candidate at Massive Rally Held on Galle Face Green.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday named a general accused of war crimes as commander of the Sri Lankan Army, sparking concern over the appointment that the UN later termed “deeply troubling”. In his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the President appointed “Major General Shavendra Silva… as the 23rd Commander …

Continue reading ‘President Sirisena Promotes Shavendra Silva as Lt.General and Appoints Him 23rd Commander of Sri Lanka’s Army: UN Describes Appointment of General Accused of war Crimes as Army Chief “Deeply Troubling”.’ »

Former Defence Secretary and presidential candidate of Sri Lanka People’s Front Gotabaya Rajapaksa has complained to the President that his intelligence officers have informed him that a terrorist group in the North is planning to harm him during the forthcoming election campaign and that he should investigate and take appropriate action. The former Defence Secretary …

Continue reading ‘Gotabaya Rajapaksa Informs President Sirisena That his Intelligence Unit Has Uncovered Alleged Plot by a Northern Terror Group Targeting Him Along With Douglas Devananda and Karuna Ammaan; Sniper Rifle Imported From Malaysia For this Alleges Gota’ »

By Tisaranee Gunasekara “He can’t do that. He was the commander. That’s a treason. We will hang him if he does that….. How can he betray the country? He is a liar, liar, liar…” – Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, when told that Gen. Sarath Fonseka had implicated him in the white flag incident (BBC Hard Talk – …

Continue reading ‘If Gotabhaya Rajapaksa wins the Presidency and Mahinda Rajapaksa Becomes the Prime Minister There will be a full scale Political Civil war Between the two brothers for Every Scrap of Power and Every Inch of Ground.’ »

By Sheain Fernandopulle Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has sufficient evidence to prove that he had renounced the US citizenship while the omission of his name in the list published as at June 30, 2019, is of no importance as per the law of that country, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Leader and MP Udaya Gammanpila said …

Continue reading ‘Omission of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Name in the List Of US Citizens Renouncing Citizenship Is Not Important Because Gota Has Certificate Issued by US State Dept Stating he has Relinquished Citizenship Says Udaya Gammanpila.’ »

By Jayadeva Uyangoda With the nomination of Gotabaya Rajapaksa as its presidential candidate, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has officially launched its presidential election campaign. Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa who has remained a nominal member of the SLFP and the UPFA so far, has also been declared publicly as the leader of the SLPP. …

Continue reading ‘The Gotabaya project actually has already promised to ‘terminate’ from the political vocabulary such words as ‘human rights,’ ‘minority rights, ‘political freedom’ and ‘liberalism’.’ »

By Sanjana Hattotuwa While data isn’t destiny, the study of how individuals capture attention on social media gives both indication and insight into their electoral prospects. Nearly a decade ago, in the sixth Presidential Election of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa and Sarath Fonseka – the two leading candidates – each set up Twitter, Facebook, YouTube …

Continue reading ‘According to Social Media Studied To Date , The Leading Presidential Candidate has Never Appealed to a Fan-base Beyond a Frighteningly and Frothingly Racist, Islamophobic, Conspiratorial Extremist Sinhala-Buddhist Mindset’ »

By Dr.Nihal Jayawickrama The last week has seen the public launching of two presidential campaigns. At each of these widely publicized and well-orchestrated meetings, the two potential candidates presented their manifestos. One candidate, with the benefit of a teleprompter, read out a lengthy document which sounded much like a Speech from the Throne at an …

Continue reading ‘Four Constitutional Fallacies About the Next President’s Powers in a Post – 19th Amendment Scenario.’ »

Sri Lanka’s main opposition party, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), on Sunday named Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former Defense Secretary and younger brother of former Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, as its candidate for the Lankan Presidential election due to be held December this year. This was announced at a public meeting here by SLPP founder and …

Continue reading ‘Pluses and Minuses of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Presidential Candidature and his Chances of Victory.’ »

By “THE EXPLORER” The case for a Sajith Premadasa candidacy is different from the case for a Sajith Premadasa Presidency. It is arguable that even those who prefer a Gotabhaya Presidency could opt for a Sajith candidacy if it leads to a stronger UNP showing, and results in a stronger balancing factor in Sri Lankan …

Continue reading ‘The Case for a Sajith Premadasa Candidacy is Different From the Case for a Sajith Premadasa Presidency’ »

By Lucien Rajakarunanayake Sajith Premadasa, with his black T-shirt and huge Indian-politico garland at Badulla, is certainly making a massive pitch to be the UNP’s next candidate for the Presidential poll. His spread of villages and towns in the country has passed its 250th, and is racing ahead to keep alive his paternal memories of …

Continue reading ‘Presidential Candidacy Bids of “Premadasa Putha” and “Gotabaya Sahodara” Revive Memories of the Murdered Journalists Richard de Zoysa and Lasantha Wickrematunge and the Made To Disappear Prageeth Eknaligoda.’ »

by Priyadarshana Liyanage Former President and one-time SLFP leader Chandrika Kumaratunga has expressed her readiness to revitalise the party, founded by her father. She has announced that she would revive the party, which according to her, is being manipulated by other parties. She has conveyed her decision to party seniors, according to party sources.

By K. Ratnayake India’s disputed Kashmir region remains today for an eleventh straight day under an unprecedented security lockdown that is being enforced by tens of thousands of Indian soldiers and paramilitaries, as well as local police. Its 13 million people are subject to sweeping restrictions on their movements and all internet and cell and …

Continue reading ‘“The Abrogation of Jammu’s and Kashmir’s Special Status is a longstanding demand of the Hindu right and a key element in its Plan to Transform India into a Hindu Rasthra or State”’ »

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed that he is supportive of devolution while protecting the sovereignty and unity of Sri Lanka. He also said the country needs a new constitution. He was responding to queries on the UNP’s and his stand on a political solution and how the country should move forward with it, speaking at …

Continue reading ‘” I am for the sovereignty and unity of Sri Lanka, but I also believe that the Tamils in the country must be able to live with equality, dignity and respect and be also to make their own decisions within the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.” – Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe States in Jaffna.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan In the last week of June, Sri Lankan police recovered a huge stash of arms and explosives in the eastern town of Kattankudy from where Zahran Hashim, the alleged mastermind of the Easter bombings, hailed. It included some 300 gelignite sticks, 1,000 detonators, and nearly 500 T56 live ammunition. The recovery reportedly …

Continue reading ‘“Though Zahran Hashim Had only a Small Group at the Start , the NJT Leader was Able to Recruit More Youths After the Anti-Muslim Violence at Digana in 2018” Says Senior Sri Lankan Security Official’ »

Ahimsa Wickrematunge, daughter of slain journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge, in a public letter to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for the selection of an “honest and courageous” presidential candidate to run against Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) contender Gotabaya Rajapaksa, warning that failure to do so will deprive victims of their opportunity for justice. Referring …

Continue reading ‘Slain Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge’s Daughter Ahimsa Writes Open Letter to Ranil Wickremesinghe Asking Whether the PM Would Apologize for Allegedly Protecting his “New Friend” Gotabaya Rajapaksa for the Past Four and a Half Years.’ »

By Sunanda Deshapriya (Text of an Open Letter Incorporating a plea to the Archbishop of Canterbury Most Rev Justin Welby who will be visiting Sri Lanka in Late August this year) To The Most Rev Archbishop Justin Welby, I must begin by saying that I am not a Christian. But the feelings contained in this …

Continue reading ‘“Devasaranaya” and Devasarana Development Centre Founded at Ibbagamuwa by “Sevaka” Yohan Devananda Allegedly Facing Huge Problems From Anglican Bishop of Kurunegala and Church Leaders: An Open Letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury Seeking Justice.’ »

Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) will come to an agreement with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) to support its presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa only after they discuss his economic and foreign policy, United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) General Secretary, MP Mahinda Amaraweera said yesterday addressing a meeting at Angunukolapelessa. “We want a leader that …

Continue reading ‘SLFP Will Support SLPP Presidential Candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa After Holding Discussions says UPFA Genera- Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera.’ »

United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader and Housing, Construction and Cultural Affairs Minister Sajith Premadasa was yesterday confident of having the people’s support to be a presidential contender promising to focus on inclusive development to bring prosperity to Sri Lanka. Insisting he was ready to even die for his motherland, Premadasa outlined broad proposals to …

Continue reading ‘Sajith Premadasa Commences His Political Journey To Become the UNP Presidential Election Candidacy From Historic “Uva-Wellassa” With the Support of the People;Insists He is Even Ready to Die for His Motheland.’ »

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) yesterday said the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) had selected the weakest option as a presidential candidate when it announced former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa as their presidential hopeful. Speaking to media at JVP head office in Battaramulla, Pelawatte, Parliamentarian Vijitha Herath said Gotabaya Rajapaksa lacked the qualities necessary to …

Continue reading ‘JVP Lashes Out at SLPP Presidential Candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa Saying He Does not Have Financial Discipline or Administrative Abilities and Lacks Necessary Qualities to be Competent National Leader.’ »

Telecommunication, Foreign Employment and Sports Minister Harin Fernando yesterday pledged to make United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader and Housing Minister Sajith Premadasa the next presidential candidate, describing him as “the bullet” needed to win the presidency and insisting no battle begun from Uva-Wellassa has ever failed. Fernando who organised a rally in Badulla to …

Continue reading ‘” Our Bullet is Sajith Premadasa and No Other” Proclaims Harin Fernando to Cheering Crowds at Badulla and Declares “I will Put my Life on the Line and Make Sajith Premadasa Our Presidential Candidate”.’ »

Sri Lanka’s opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa officially took over Sunday as leader of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, anointing his brother Gothabaya the person that was needed to take over the country on a national security platform. He said the Easter Sunday strike was like 9/11 in American and should be a wake-up call. “We need …

Continue reading ‘Mahinda Rajapaksa Officially Takes Over Leadership of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and Anoints Brother Gotabaya as the Party’s Presidential Election Candidate Contesting on a National Security Platform.’ »

By Athula Bandara Minister Sajith Premadasa said today in Thirappane, Anuradhapura that he would contest the forthcoming presidential election without fail and that he expects the support of people in the country. After opening the ‘Se-Dasungama’ – 246th model village in Demategama in Thirappane in Anuradhapura District under the Gam Udawa programme, the Minister was …

Continue reading ‘Sajith Premadasa Declares in Anuradhapura That He Will Definitely Contest the Forthcoming Presidential Elections’ »

By Uditha Jayasinghe and Nuwan Senaratne Amidst much spectacle, deafening cheers, and countrywide fireworks, Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday accepted the Presidential candidacy of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), pledging to be a leader who will walk the talk and deliver development to a united and secure Sri Lanka. The maiden SLPP National Convention on Sunday …

Continue reading ‘Gotabaya Rajapaksa Accepts Presidential Candidacy of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Amidst Thunderous Applause at Spectacular Party Convention Held at Sugathadasa Stadium.’ »

By Lahiru Pothmulla The country needs a leader who looks at 2030 instead of 2020 and has the ability to terminate corruption, drugs and poverty, newly appointed SLPP Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa said today announcing Gotabaya Rajapaksa as their presidential candidate. Opposition Leader Rajapaksa was appointed as the SLPP leader at the party’s inaugural national convention …

Continue reading ‘Mahinda Rajapaksa Proclaims Younger Brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the Official SLPP Presidential Candidate Saying “He has already become your brother and has won over your hearts. I give him to you as your Brother”.’ »

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna’s (SLPP) Presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa delivered his maiden campaign speech at the SLPP’s first-ever National Convention held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium on August 11th 2019 Following is the full speech: Venerable Maha Sangha and religious dignitaries from the Christian, Hindu, Islamic and other faiths, the fifth Executive President of …

Continue reading ‘“I pledge to create a safe and secure environment in which all Sri Lankans, irrespective of their race or religion, will be able to live in peace. I will never allow extremist terrorism in this country” – Text of SLPP Presidential Candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Maiden Campaign Speech’ »

Investigations into the sterilization scare at Kurunegala have taken a new turn with the discovery that medical administrators colluded with law enforcement officials and even the magistrate to fabricate evidence and alter judicial records. The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) reported to court that the director of the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital, A.M. S. Weera Bandara, was …

Continue reading ‘Kurunegala Teaching Hospital Director Dr. A.M.S.Weerabandara Falsely Accused Dr. Mohammed Shafi of Illegally Sterilising 8000 Women and Fabricated Evidence While Being Fully Aware that the Allegations Against Muslim Surgeon Were Untrue.’ »

by Sanjana Hattotuwa “Houston, we have a problem” is a famous line from 1995’s Academy Award-winning ‘Apollo 13’ film, told to NASA’s ground control by actor Tom Hanks, playing Mission Commander Jim Lovell. Based on real events, a catastrophic explosion crippling a spacecraft bound for the moon became a test of NASA’s ability to completely …

Continue reading ‘The Name To Be Announced by Mahinda Rajapaksa as the SLPP Presidential Candidate Would be Sri Lanka’s Equivalent to the USA’s “Apollo – 13 ” Mission Without Having a NASA To Guide It.’ »

By Meera Srinivasan The former President’s reaction is among the first from Sri Lankan political leaders after New Delhi ended Jammu & Kashmir’s special status. Commenting on the prospects for power devolution to Sri Lanka’s minority Tamils, Leader of Opposition and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has made a reference to the current “situation in Kashmir.” …

Continue reading ‘Mahinda Rajapaksa Tries to Allay Fears of the Minorities Over Gota’s Presidential Candidacy by Telling “Virakesari” that he will be the Prime Ministerial Candidate and that the Prime Minister Has More Powers After 19th Amendment.’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene In Sri Lanka, injustice takes manifestly queer twists and turns. A State signs an international convention on the solemn understanding that it will conform to those obligations. It passes a Constitution or enacts a law consequent to a pact entered into with citizens promising that narrow interests of one specific power …

Continue reading ‘What Sri Lanka Needs is not a ‘Terminator’ or a ‘Protector’- (no Politician can be a Protector) – but the Equal Application of the Law by Those who Implement and Enforce It’ »

Brushing up his credentials as a leader that supports democratic principles, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said the country needs a leader who will promote democracy and not a “Terminator” who will destroy the gains made by democratic institutions in the past four years. Referring to comments made by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National …

Continue reading ‘Responding to Basil’s Remarks About Gota as a Terminator, Ranil Wickremesinghe Says Country Needs A Democratic Leader and Does not Need a “Terminator” Who Will Destroy the Democratic Gains Made Over the Past Four Years.’ »

By Lahiru Pothmulla People need not fear former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and he would not become a strict leader, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa said today. Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa is widely speculated to be the presidential candidate of the SLPP. Mr.Rajapaksa said this in response to a question at a …

Continue reading ‘“Gota has to be like a Terminator to Eradicate Fraud and Corruption, I can Assure that Gotabaya will not be an Authoritarian Leader.No need to be Afraid of him.” – Assures Basil Rajapaksa’ »

By S.S. Selvanayagam Court of Appeal today in its judgement held that the removal of petitioner B. Deniswaran from the portfolios of the Northern Provincial Council by the Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran is illegal and made without jurisdiction and therefore it is a nullity. Justice Mahinda Samayawardhena with Justice K.Priyantha Fernando concurring in his judgement …

Continue reading ‘Appeal Court Rules Ex – Northern Chief Minister and Former Supreme Court Judge CV wigneswaran to Pay Costs to Petitioner B. Deniswaran for Removing Ex- Provincial Council Minister from Post Without Having the Power to do so.’ »

By Chitra Weerarathne The Court of Appeal, yesterday, said that the retired Supreme Court Judge and former Chief Minister of the Northern Provincial Council C.V. Wigneswaran had violated the Provincial Council Law, when he removed Provincial Council Minister Balasubramaniam Denishwaran from his post. Complainant Denishwaran has said in his writ application that the chief minister …

Continue reading ‘Court of Appeal Rules that Ex- Supreme Court Judge and Former Northern Chief Minister CV Wigneswaran Violated Provincial Council Law By Removing Ex – Provincial Minister Balasubramaniam Deneeswaran From His Post.’ »

By Aanya Wipulasena The Kurunegala Medical doctor at the centre of controversy, Dr. Seigu Shihabdeen Mohamed Shafi and his legal team is set to file civil damages and defamation cases against several individuals this week including MP Athuraliye Ratana Thera, Prof. Channa Jayasumana, DIG Kithsiri Jayalath and two journalists and the editor of a Sinhala …

Continue reading ‘Kurunegala Surgeon Dr. Mohamed Shafi to File Defamation Cases Claiming Damages Against Several Individuals Including Athuraliya Rathana Thera, Prof.Channa Jayasumana,DIG Kithsiri Jayalath, K’Gala Mayor Thushara Vitharana and the Editor and Two Journalists of a Sinhala Newspaper.’ »

Four months ago, on April 1st 2019, an award winning Sinhala writer Shakthika Sathkumara was arrested under ICCPR Act enacted in 2007 to give effect to certain provisions of the United Nations multilateral treaty, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The arrest was made following a complaint lodged by a group of ultra …

Continue reading ‘“Ardha”(Half): The Controversial Sinhala Short Story by Shakthika Sathkumara That Landed Him In jail Due to Complaints by Buddhist Monks – Translated Into English by the JDS’ »

By Kishali Pinto Jayawardene Is former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his baying ‘podujana party’ team members suffering from selective amnesia when they flay the Government on the floor of Sri Lanka’s Parliament for having presented the Lands Bill to the House without first putting it before the Provincial Councils? Not all the masses are asses …

Continue reading ‘Mahinda Rajapaksa and his “Podujana” Team Must Not Think That All the Masses Are Asses to Forget How Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake Was Rudely Impeached For An Adverse Ruling on ” Divineguma” Bill Under Rajapaksa Rule.’ »

By Shreen Abdul Saroor For three long decades, Muslim women have fought to reform the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA). Justice Saleem Marsoof’s Committee issued two sets of recommendations early last year, the culmination of nine years of work. Perhaps in response to recent rhetoric of ‘one country one law,’ Muslim Members of Parliament …

Continue reading ‘Misogynistic Leaders of the All Ceylon Jamiyathul Ulama (ACJU) Obstruct Justice Marsoof Committee’s Progressive Recommendations Beneficial to Muslim Women Through Amendments to the Muslim Marriage and Divorce act(MMDA)’ »

Shakthika Sathkumara, an award-winning Sri Lankan writer, was arrested on 1 April 2019, for writing a short story and sharing it on his Facebook profile. The fictional story he shared was about life in a Buddhist temple, that allegedly hinted at child sexual abuse. He faces up to 10 years in prison if found guilty …

Continue reading ‘Sri Lankan Short Story Writer Shakthika Sathkumara Charged Under ICCPR Act and Imprisoned for Past Four Months Declared “Prisoner of Conscience” by Amnesty International which Urges Sri Lankan Attorney -General to Unconditionally Release Writer Immediately and Drop all Charges Against Him.’ »

Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa today said the document which is being circulated on social media sites purporting that he has renounced his US citizenship was fake and that he was in possession of the original certificate.

by Shamindra Ferdinando Wartime Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday told The Island that he had relinquished his US citizenship in April this year. Rajapaksa said that the process had been completed without any issue. Responding to another query, Rajapaksa said that there had never been an issue with regard to renunciation of his US citizenship.

By Vishwamithra 1984 “There are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.’’ ~Oscar Wilde Mahinda Rajapaksa is an extraordinary individual. His passion for power seems to have overrun all plausible limits; his determination to cling on to something that is very tangible that comes …

Continue reading ‘Ranil Wickremesinghe May Be Ineffective and Uninspiring But Ranil is One Hundred Times Better for the Sustenance of our Democracy Than Mahinda Rajapaksa and Company’ »

By Nirmala Kannangara A certificate distributed yesterday purporting to show that former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has renounced his US citizenship has been debunked as a forgery, the Daily Mirror learns. The purported Certificate of Loss of Nationality of the United States was distributed widely on social media groups yesterday morning by parties close to …

Continue reading ‘Purported Certificate of Loss of US Nationality by Gotabaya Rajapaksa Distributed Widely on Social Media Allegedly by Parties Close to the Ex-Def Secy Exposed as a Forgery’ »